When it comes to cancer care, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center (BSLMC) is in rare company. The medical center is home to the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center (DLDCCC), one of fewer than 60 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. This designation signifies that, when you come to the cancer center, you’ll find the most advanced treatments and leading-edge research that’s shaping the therapies of the future. Best of all, your entire care journey will take place under one roof at the new O’Quinn Medical Tower at BSLMC’s McNair Campus.

Treating the Full Range of Cancers

At the DLDCCC, a diverse team of cancer specialists, subspecialists and other clinicians collaborates to design treatment plans that are as unique as each patient. This team is a key reason U.S. News & World Report recognized BSLMC as a 2023–2024 High Performing Hospital for Cancer. The medical center also earned 2023–2024 High Performing Hospital recognition for Colon Cancer Surgery, Lung Cancer Surgery and Prostate Cancer Surgery.

Over the years, BSLMC has built a reputation as a premier destination for the treatment of many forms of cancer, including breast cancer. DLDCCC features a dedicated breast imaging suite with the latest technologies to detect breast cancer early, including breast MRI. The cancer center is also home to strong programs for treating gastrointestinal, blood, kidney, bladder and colorectal cancers, among others.

From minimally invasive surgeries to precision radiation oncology techniques and advanced forms of chemotherapy, gene therapy and immunotherapy, cancer treatment has come a long way over the past couple of decades. DLDCCC offers the full spectrum of treatments in a facility that’s patient-centric from top to bottom.

Designed by and for Patients

In 2023, DLDCCC moved into its new home in the O’Quinn Medical Tower, a healing environment designed with input from both patients and clinicians. Bringing together diagnostic and treatment services previously located in different areas of the McNair Campus, the cancer center streamlines care for patients and makes it easier for physicians to collaborate. Abundant natural light, outdoor gardens on various floors and soothing décor make the cancer center a welcoming, comfortable setting.

With three times as much space as before, DLDCCC features:

• 10 outpatient operating rooms

• An advanced imaging suite

• An endoscopy suite to screen for and treat gastrointestinal cancers

• A state-of-the-art radiation oncology department with the latest linear accelerators

One of the jewels of the cancer center’s new home is a spacious infusion suite. The suite includes private and semi-private treatment areas, allowing patients to either receive therapy in solitude or connect with other patients during infusion. Patients expressed a desire for both options during the facility’s design phase. In addition, the infusion suite includes a space where patients can receive experimental treatments as part of phase 1 clinical trials, and a dedicated pharmacy to prepare new and standard-of-care therapies. 

Fast Forward to the Future 

Participating in a clinical trial can allow you to receive a leading-edge therapy you wouldn’t otherwise have had access to. Research is a hallmark of DLDCCC, where physicians study novel treatment approaches such as cell therapies and immunotherapies in dozens of active clinical trials. Some of these treatments may become standard therapies in the future.

Helping to create the future of cancer care is just part of the cancer center’s mission. The most important focus is helping patients make their personal future a reality. That’s the focus of every member of the DLDCCC team, every day.